After a two-week binge of self-indulging critique of President Barack Obama’s economic platform, today Rush Limbaugh suddenly wants to have a “serious” fiscal policy debate, writing in The Wall Street Journal, “Let’s stop the acrimony.” As comedian Martin Mull might say, “That’s mighty white of him.”
Prior to Obama’s inauguration, right-wing radio host Limbaugh said, “I hope he fails.” Last Thursday, Limbaugh, in an interview with FOX News' Sean Hannity, said, “We are being told that we have to…bend over, grab the ankles…because this is the first black president.” Last Friday, Obama told members of congress that in order to make legislative progress on his economic stimulus package, “You can’t just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done,” which prompted Limbaugh to say Monday that Obama is “frightened of me.”
Wednesday, as every Republican member of the House of Representatives voted against Obama’s proposed economic stimulus legislation, which passed 244-188, Rep. Phil Gingrey went on Limbaugh’s air to apologize to Limbaugh for stating the day before that it was too easy for Limbaugh to “stand back and throw bricks,” saying, “I regret and apologize for the fact that my comments have offended and upset my fellow conservatives.”
So, the house Republican caucus takes its marching orders from a radio host and a U.S. Congressman begs forgiveness from a recovering OxyContin junkie and part-time race-baiter? If Limbaugh’s their leader, The Buzz thinks that Obama has the Republicans right where he wants them. Party of Lincoln? Hmm.